National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is Opportunity
to Support Breastfeeding
President Obama has proclaimed September as National
Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. This proclamation comes at a time when
approximately 17% of our nation's children---12.5 million children between the
ages of 2 and 18---are obese. The prevalence of obesity among U.S. children has
almost tripled since 1980. Most overweight and obese children become obese
adults, increasing their risk of a host of adverse psychosocial and physical
conditions.
The United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA)
shares the President's concern and applauds efforts to curb this troubling
trend. First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! expands access to nutritious
food, promotes physical activity, and seeks to help families make healthy
decisions. This year's Hunger Free Kids Act released new rules to improve the
nutritional value of school-based meals.
While these efforts are valuable and necessary, USLCA
reminds the public that breastfeeding is the only proven preventative for
childhood obesity. Breastfeeding significantly reduces the likelihood of
developing childhood obesity, with the protection increasing as the duration of
breastfeeding increases. In fact, according to a major analysis, breastfeeding
for 9 months reduces the odds of a child becoming overweight by more than 30%.
Intensity of breastfeeding also matters, with exclusive breastfeeding having a
greater protective effect than combining breastfeeding with formula feeds. The
American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months
, and continued breastfeeding with additional complementary foods for at least
the first year of life.
The risk of childhood obesity is higher in low-income
areas, mirroring the risk of infant feeding with non-human milk. Transforming
the culture so as to promote and support breastfeeding is an important public
health initiative. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin's Call to Action to Support
Breastfeeding outlines specific ways for employers, communities, hospitals and
health care providers, and families to create an environment enabling mothers to
succeed in breastfeeding. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act requires
insurance coverage for breastfeeding counseling services, increasing access to
this essential health benefit.
International Board Certified
Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) can help mothers achieve their breastfeeding
goals, affording both mother and child the healthful benefits of breastfeeding,
including obesity prevention. IBCLCs are members of the healthcare team with
specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care. IBCLCs have passed a
rigorous examination and have logged hundreds or thousands of hours supporting
breastfeeding mothers and babies. For more information about IBCLCs or to
locate an IBCLC in your area visit www.uslca.org. For more information about the
relationship between breastfeeding and the prevention of childhood obesity,
visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov
Mission: To
build and sustain a national association that advocates for lactation
professionals
Vision: IBCLCs are valued recognized
members of the health care team.
The United States
Lactation Consultant Association (ULSCA), is organized
and shall be operated exclusively for the educational, charitable, and
scientific purposes.
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